GAB Awards Cash to Ex-WBF Champ
and Ex-convict Magahin

By Alex P. Vidal

Instead of condemning him and treating him as a social outcast, the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), in an unprecedented Board resolution last May 10, awarded P10,000 cash to former World Boxing Foundation (WBF) welterweight champion William Magahin of Iloilo City.
The decision to provide “welfare assistance” to the 35-year-old black mestizo retired fighter came after GAB Commissioner Alex A. Paglumotan learned that the former boxer is now jobless and penniless after his release from the Quezon City jail. Magahin spent more than two years for cases of robbery-holdup in the jail.
UNANIMOUS
“The (GAB) Board unanimously approved the P10,000 cash as welfare assistance to William Magahin. Chairman Eric Buhain and my fellow Commissioner Angel Bautista okayed the financial assistance. He can claim the money by sending us a letter of request,” Paglumotan informed WBF Philippine Supervisor Alex P. Vidal in a text message hours before the GAB official left for Chicago, USA to attend a commissioners’ meeting of the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) scheduled on May 10-17, 2006.
For his part, Vidal thanked the GAB for “sending a positive signal to all retired Filipino boxers like Magahin”. Vidal will inform WBF President Mick Croucher about GAB’s benevolence.
“The amount will not last a lifetime but the GAB showed that it is ready to come to the rescue of destitute boxers regardless of their background,” said Vidal, referring to Magahin whose incarceration in 2003 prompted Croucher to come to Manila and visit him in jail.
CASH FOR BAILBOND
Croucher, who admitted he pitted the Amerasian ex-pugilist when he read his story in the internet, also offered cash to bail him out on August 2, 2003.
Croucher’s efforts were, however, dashed to pieces as Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde returned to Croucher the cash for Magahin’s bail “because it is better for him (Magahin) to stay in jail as he is a menace to the society.”
Magahin landed in jail after he and a male companion robbed passengers of an FX taxi in Quezon City in June 2003.
The former boxer won the WBF belt by whipping Australian Jeff Malcolm on points in a title fight at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Iloilo City here on March 25, 1995.
DEBACLE
He lost it on points to Suwito Lagola in Sumatra, Indonesia but regained it when the WBF stripped Lagola of the title for failing to make a mandatory defense.
After repulsing on points deaf-mute Hawaiian-Filipino challenger Erwin Villaver in 1996, Magahin yielded the crown to Jaime Lerma of Texas, USA on a savage 11th round disposal witnessed at the ringside by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. /MP

Editorial- May 20, 2006

Malacañang Transgression of CES Law

One of the conditions obtaining in countries under the parliamentary form of government is a strong government bureaucracy. The government personnel from the lowest rank up to the highest non elective official in a ministry are not affected in any way in case there is a change of leadership at the top.
Government personnel are so professionalized to their jobs. Prime Minister and Minister of a ministry may come and go, but personnel in the bureaucracy are left to continue doing their respective jobs. They are like cats and dogs which when its master left, it remains in the house. When another master comes, it welcomes the new master.
But not in the Philippines, not yet. How then can the Philippines shift from the presidential to the parliamentary form of government when the Philippines bureaucracy is not prepared for it?

Politicization of Career Service

In Resolution No. 619 of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) on March 20, 2006 the members were alarmed of Malacañang personnel actions affecting Career Executive Service Officers (CESO) that have transgressed laws, rules and regulations and undermined the principles of professionalism and meritocracy.
To support this indictment, the CESB cited the case of DepEd undersecretary Luz who refused to honor post dated checks issued by the President’s social Fund for the scholarship program of Zambales Rep. Antonio Diaz. These checks were said to have been issued in return for Rep. Diaz’ opposition to Arroyo’s impeachment. Luz was sent a “thank you letter” and an order transferring him to another office.
Another transgression of Malacañang was the easing out of an executive in a government corporation and replacing him with a non – eligible outsider with strong political backing. In 2002, Crisostomo, after he opposed the suggestion to put his agency under the Department of Housing, left the government after serving the Pag Ibig Fund for more than 17 years.
As of February 2006, some 843 CESOs and CES eligibles are occupying non-CESO positions inspite of the 6,388 positions in the career executive service.

Bloating the Bureaucracy

At the time President Joseph Estrada was driven out of Malacañang, there were 63 under secretaries and 64 assistant secretaries in 19 departments. Today, the Arroyo administration has 85, undersecretaries or 22 more than Estrada’s and 72 assistant secretaries or 12 more that Estrada’s. Arroyo has bloated the bureaucracy despite her repeated pronouncements to trimmed the fat in the government.
According to the records in the Department of Budget and Management, there were 1.2 million permanent positions in the national government in 2005. This is 47,555 more than what Estrada has in 2000. Moreover, Arroyo has 677 positions which are exempt from the salary standardization law which did not exist at the time of Estrada. Arroyo has also doubled to 1,617 part time positions.
The CESB viewed with grave concern the apparent politicization of the career service “as a non CES eligible occupying a CES position is deemed as a political appointee who serves at the pleasure of the President.” In an inventory done by the CESB, it was shown that of the 2,583 CES positions, 2,122 positions are occupied of which 1,227 or 58 percent have a third level eligibilities while the remaining 895 or 48 percent are filled up by non eligibles.

How Does CES Operate

The Career Executive Service operates on the rank concept similar to the Armed Forces and the Foreign Service. The rank defines status, compensation and security of tenure. To become eligible for the CES, one must pass management aptitude test battery. This is followed by a series of simulation exercises designed to measure managerial capability potential. A formal interview by a CESB or by a panel will be conducted and performance validation on the job.
After one passes all the requirements, he is conferred CES eligibility. His name is included in a list of eligibles where the CESB gets the name to be recommended to the President to be given a CESO rank. There are six CES ranks with corresponding salary grades ranging from 25 to 30 being the highest and the salary starting from P28,875 a month to P34,323, the highest.
With the approval of Resolution 619 of the CESB that expressed alarm over the transgression of the Career Executive Service law, rules and regulations, Malacañang is gradually replacing the current members of the CESB with men subservient to Malacañang.
In view of these, the Arroyo government will convert the Philippine bureaucracy into an inverted pyramid, pay more money to assistant secretaries and undersecretaries and other high positions, give rise to conflicts over turf competition for more attention, thereby creating discord and disunity in department offices. The present bureaucracy is not suited and prepared to perform its functions in a parliamentary form of government. /MP

Mrs. Lolita Magdaluyo – Calagsing

Commencement Speaker, Most Outstanding Alumna

By Frank T. Ituriaga

MRS. LOLITA MAGDALUYO–CALAGSING, an Assistant professor at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, came back recently to her high school Alma Mater – Madyaas Institute in Numancia, Aklan to be the Commencement Speaker during its 60th graduation exercises.
The Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, popular and a standout singer during her high school days at Madyaas Institute some four decades ago, was also cited and presented with a Plaque of Recognition as Most Outstanding Alumna for SY 2005 – 2006 on the same occasion.
Also present during the affair, among others, were Atty. Filemon C. Fernandez, President & Chairman of the Baord; Mr. Josue T. Maravilla, Vice President; Mr. Franklin T. Ituriaga, Principal and Secretary of the Board; Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo, President of the Alumni Association and member of the Board; Dr. Concepcion P. Constantino, member of the Board; and other officers of the Board of Trustees and members of the Faculty.
In her speech, Mrs. Calagsing reminisced of the good times during her high school days; talked about her experiences, and made some fleeting comparisons of those times then vis-à-vis the present day situations. She talked about how good her teachers were, and how she’d brag about them to her friends and peers later on.
She briefed the members of the graduating class of the prospects on hand and looming before them, gave them simple and practical tips on how to prepare for the future, and advised them to make the most of the opportunities they could hold on to, and to endeavor to be the best of whatever they could finally be in life.
Born in Pasig City on April 10, 1947, Prof. Calagsing spent her childhood days in Numancia, Aklan where she finished her elementary education from the Numancia Elementary School with honors in 1959, and high school from Madyaas Institute in 1963, also with honors. She graduated Bachelor of Science in Education (major in Elementary Education) at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City in 1967, as Most Outstanding Student in Dramatics.
In 1998, after retiring from the teaching job (with a rank of Master Teacher II), she earned her Master of Arts in Education from West Visayas State University. Beginning 1999, and to this day, she has been Assistant Professor at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.
Among the responsibilities related to school and community services she is involved in now are the following: As Directress/Principal of the Leon Holy Family Learning Center in Leon, Iloilo (which started in 2000), as is Provincial Coordinator for Iloilo of the CFC-Education Foundation Inc., as President of the Teachers College Faculty Club of the University of San Agustin, and as Supervisor of the Teachers College Practicum Students of the same institution. For Academic Year 2002-2003, she was recipient of a Professorial Chair at the University of San Agustin.
Calagsing has undertaken researches, like: 1. Mga Kontemporaryong Pagpapahalagang Filipino ng mga Mag-aaral sa Unibersidad ng San Agustin. (This is a Professorial Chair Lecture sponsored by the University of San Agustin and Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines – Academic Year 2002 – 2003). 2. Mga Kasanayang Pangwika ng mga Mag-aaral sa Elementarya (West Visayas State University, 1998).
Mrs. Calagsing is a member of the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Catholic Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines (CTGP), and the Philippine Association for Teacher Education. (PAPTE).
Baby, as friends and intimates call her, is married to Mr. Rodolfo C. Calagsing, a retired Division Manager, Philippine Ports authority. The couple have two children; Ken M. Calagsing is a Business Administration graduate (major in Marketing) from the University of the Philippines Visayas. He is now a Premium Finance Specialist in Los Angeles, USA. Kim Tatum M. Calagsing, on the other hand, went to college at West Visayas State University. Now a Registered Nurse, she works at McKenzie Place, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Alberta, Canada. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

An SB Member Sponsors A Motion While Absent In The Session

For and in behalf of the Aklan Fishpond Operators’ Cooperative (AFOC), Mr. Enrique R. Dionio submitted a proposal to Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo to manage, operate and maintain the Food and Transport Terminal at Oyo Torong Street, Kalibo, Aklan. Subject to terms and conditions to be mutually agreed between the municipality of Kalibo and the AFOC, a memorandum of agreement maybe signed on a medium to long term basis.
The AFOC aims to put up a fish center, its main product. However, agricultural products like beef, pork, poultry, and fruits and vegetables will be included for wholesale and or retail. Actually, the fish center will deal with all farm products.
As AFOC envisions it, the fish center aims to provide agricultural and fish products to consumers at high quality and at reasonable price. This will be realized by stabilizing supply and prices that are more or less at farm gate. With this process, the producers will also be assured of a market and reasonable margin of profits of their agricultural and fish products.
On the part of the municipality of Kalibo, its non-performing asset will start to yield of whatever fee is agreed the AFOC will pay in return for its use. Kalibo will not need to invest any money for AFOC will take care all even its janitorial and security requirements. If there is any, it maybe a police assistance and hauling of garbage. As I heard from Mr. Dionio, Kalibo will get more indirect benefits from the project such the creation of some jobs to the people in the vicinity of Oyo Torong, vehicle maybe decongested in Toting Reyes St. and Roxas Avenue Extension around the Kalibo Wet Market. Kalibo can use its money for other projects rather than in the Tambakan area.
According to Mr. Dionio, Mayor Rebaldo was sympathetic to the proposal as he presented it on Wednesday, May 17 to the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Market and the Committee on Finance. Hon. Melanie V. Tolentino, chair of the Market Committee was also elated to hear the proposal.
On the other hand, Hon. Gregorio Malapad, chair of the Finance Committee would limit the AFOC as a tenant in the “Bagsakan”. Hon. Malapad informed the meeting of the plan to borrow a loan of P30 million to be used in the development of the said area.
For Mayor Rebaldo to borrow P30 million for investment in the Bagsakan, it will take quite sometime following the local legislative and administrative process. If things go smoothly, and if work will start now, it maybe effective in the 2007 – 2010 term if there is election. Moreover, the future of Kalibo will be used as collateral which will affect the next generation of Kalibonhons. It will be noted that the “bolanteros” left the “Bagsakan” after they experienced nil sales for selling their wares after they were ejected of Toting Reyes Street. They did not come back to sell again in that area.
Once the AFOC gets the green light to manage, operate and maintain the bagsakan, it will be developed into a wholesome market where sellers and buyers meet regularly. It will become a sanitary and peaceful place where vendors and buyers transact business with utmost honesty.

-o-

The Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo on its 11th Regular Session on April 20, 2006 approved a “Resolution Conveying utmost recognition and commendation to Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Provincial Officials for the expansion and improvement of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital“.
This improvement of DRSTMH is a long felt need of the Aklanons. It is just fitting to commend our public officials like Cong. Joeben Miraflores, Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Kel C. Tolentino, members of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan and others.
However, there is only one question. Can a Sangguniang Bayan member sponsor a resolution which is the subject of deliberation during his/her absence?
In Resolution No. 2006 – 033, approved on April 20, 2006 during the 11th Regular Session of SB Kalibo, Hon. Melanie V. Tolentino was listed absent “SB Member” (OIC Mayor). However, on the first page, second to the last paragraph of the resolution states: on motion of Hon. Melanie V. Tolentino, chairperson, Committee on Health and Sanitation, conveying utmost recognition and commendation to Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez. . .” Is this possible? Or maybe Hon. M. Tolentino participated in the SB session by remote control, using the “information technology”. /MP

Ro Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Misteryosong Bubon

May isaeang ka bubon nga maeapit sa plasa it Barangay Guingmu. Owa eon guinagamita rayang bubon ag guina pinilakan lang it basura. Ogaling sa kaabu-on ko basura nga guina pinilak adlaw-adlaw hay owa guid it pagkapuno. Kon gabii, abong nakakita nga nagakaeayo, pero owa man it sinial nga may nasusunog pagka–aga.
Isaeang gabii, nagahinampang ro mga onga sa plasa, may nakakita ag naka hugom it aso sa baba it bubon. Eaum nanda hay may nagsuga. Abo nga naka saksi pero pagka aga hay owa man it maskin nano nga nasunog. May isaeang ka magueang nga naga pakalimos nga nag paeapit sa bubon. Naghaboy imaw it pagkaon ag pumanaw nga owa it nakakita, dayon naduea.
Halin kato, nangin paeaisipan kanda sa mga taga barangay Guingmu rayang bubon. Gusto nanda nga tukibon rong misteryo nga naka putos sa bubon ngara. Sono sa mga katigueangan, rayang bubon hay tiempo pa it mga Kastila. Dating guina estaran royong lugar it isaeang ka Kastila nga naka asawa it Pilipina. Mapintas rayang Kastila. Sa owa magbuhay nag masakit rong ina ko babaye. Nagpangayo it bulig sa asawang Kastila. Owa pagtaw-i it bulig. Busa, namatay ro ina. Nagkasubo rong babaye. Nagbisita imaw sa andang baeay nga may daeang mga pagkaon. Pero owa imaw pagsugti ko anang asawa. Nagpanaw imaw nga owa nag-eaong. Pagkasayod ko Kastila, guinsueang ro asawa. Guinguyod nga parang hayop. Dayon, guinpasakay it pilit sa anang karwahe. Gustong magbaeos ro mga igmanghod it babaye ugaling guin punggan sanda ko andang magueang.
Pag-abot sa baeay, it Kastila, guin kulong rong asawa. Sa oras it pagkaon, guina daehan eang it pagkaon. Owa nana guina tabinga rong pagkaon. Nagpangamuyo imaw nga tueonon imaw it eogta. Pilang adlaw nga nagtaliwan, naglinog, nagbuka rong eogta. ag imaw nga asawa hay natabunan. Owa it naka sayod kon ano rong natabo. Nagbisita ro anang asawa, pero matsa may naghigop kana ag natabunan man imaw it eogta.
Halin ko rayang hitabo, kada gabii hay may nababatian rong mga tawo nga may naga panaghoy. Kon amat parang may nagasinggit. Guin kahadlukan rayang baeay. Pag-abot it mga hapon, guinsug-an rayang baeay tungod guin estaran it mga gerilya. Nabilin eon lang rayang bubon. Ag guin obrang tambakan it basura.
Makaron guina dayo rayang bubon sa plaza it Brgy Guingmu. Guin butangan ko Sangguniang Barangay it kurae agod indi mahueog ro mga onga. Guin obra man nga “wishing well” ag guina hueogan it mga sinsilyo. Sa kaabu abo nga naga hinaboy sa rayang bubon owa guid it pagkapuno. Sin-o baea ro nagasinaeap kara? /MP

Paglumotan Exhorts Iloilo Pro Sports Execs To Organize

By Alex P. Vidal

Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Alex A. Paglumotan has exhorted leaders of professional sports in Iloilo City to organize as a federation so they can have a set of officials that will be accredited by GAB.
In a dialogue with local professional sports leaders held at the Robinson’s mall recently, Paglumotan, former vice mayor of Bacolod City, said the federation should be composed of representatives of all professional sports in the city and province of Iloilo for proper recognition and accreditation by the Makati – based supervising and regulatory agency headed as chairman by Eric Buhain.

POTENTIAL ATHLETES

”Once you have been organized, it will be easy for you to scout for potential and quality athletes waiting to turn professionals which are our gateway to the world,” said the Ilonggo GAB commissioner for administration and finance. He admitted, “many sports enthusiasts in Iloilo don’t know how to tap connections in the national level. They lack the mechanism on how to seek help from the government.
Paglumotan stressed that the demarcation line between professional and amateur sports is cash prize saying “it is only in the aspect of sports where we can generate harmony and unity regardless of political affiliations.”
PRIZE
Professional athletes like billiard players, boxers, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players, among other contact sports can receive cash prizes while amateur athletes who don the national flag are paid only through stipend from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) where Buhain was former chairman.
Paglumotan said he and Buhain have agreed “to bring the government to the hearts and minds of the people” the reason why he has been actively disseminating the goals and objectives of the Buhain administration personally in various areas outside Metro Manila.
“Chairman Buhain is very supportive of our programs (of going to the people instead of the people going to the government) and he is always positive that we can make a difference in our desire to improve and enhance professional sports in the country,” Paglumotan said.

PROBLEMS

“Among the problems being faced by sports enthusiasts outside Metro Manila are: economic, lack of interest, lack of moral support from executives of political territories’, he pointed out.
“Sports is a good ambassador of goodwill and unity,” Paglumotan enthused. “Under the leadership of Chairman Buhain, we will see to it that there will be no more first class and second class; we threat each other as equals and partners in undertaking to assist and support all your future programs."
Paglumotan concluded: “Let us organize, reorganize, redo and review our past performances and GAB will be there to support and induct all sports federations in the country.” /MP

Kalibo News

Consul General Gavino Visits Kalibo

Philippine Consul General Erlinda Gavino of the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou, Guandong Province, People’s Republic of China, with her associates made a courtesy call to Honorable Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo. They were accompanied by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores just recently.
The Consul General discussed the possible advantages of economic and tourism development that the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo may derive from the Peoples Republic of China once the regional flights commence after Kalibo Airport is upgraded into an international airport.
According to Consul General Gavino, the billion people of China are potential tourists or importers of raw materials that will generate millions of pesos in the tourism industry. Kalibo and the neighboring towns will benefit with the influx of tourists since most tourists package deals may include the tourism enterprise of the different towns like the Manggad it Kalibo.
Mayor Rebaldo in affirmation with the possibility of making the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo a sister city of Guangzhou said that a Memorandum of Agreement may be drafted by the Municipality of Kalibo with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Office in Guanzhou in partnership with the City of Guangzhou.
Kalibo Will Receive A Two Classroom Building

Once again the Municipality of Kalibo will receive a two classroom building from the “Visayas – Mindanao Barrio Schools Project” envisaged by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, the Dept of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (FCCCII). The project aims to help ease down the problem of overcrowding in public schools as an expected 12,382,125 public grade school students will enroll in the forthcoming opening of classes in June.
Through an official letter sent by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Renan Dalisay, Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo was informed that Kalibo was chosen as one of the recipients of two (2) classroom building to be constructed by the FFCCCII.
The two (2) classroom building is expected to bring down the perennial problem of overcrowding in the public schools as more grade school students are expected to transfer from private schools.

LGU – San Francisco, Agusan Lakbay Aral To Kalibo

Some 30 people from the Local Government of San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur passed by Kalibo last week, for a scheduled Lakbay Aral. They visited the Manggad it Kalibo.
Led by San Francisco Mayor Carl Elias C. Lademora, they made a courtesy call with Kalibo’s Chief Executive, Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.
A modest presentation and welcome program were prepared and presented. Mayor Rebaldo entertained a few questions before the tour of the Manggad it Kalibo.
The Municipality of San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur in the Caraga Region is a budding second-class municipality. It has a modern town hall. It consist of 27 Barangays.
The Lakbay Aral is look/see information gathering tour for LGU – San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur. They collected data regarding the rapid development economic growth of the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo and will find out possible ways to apply it in their municipality. /MP

Exclusive Report

Aklan Info Tech Center Opens

Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores, Congressman of the Lone District of Aklan was the guest of honor in the recently concluded launching of the Information Technology Center (ITC) located at TESDA Aklan Provincial Office, Kalibo, Aklan. The said event was held on April 24, 2006, a day before the Aklan Golden Day Celebration.
The Information Technology Center is a collaborative project of the Congressional District Office, TESDA Aklan Provincial Office, and the Local Government Unit of Kalibo. The Center aims to provide Aklanons with wider access to computer education and other computer-based livelihood projects at a minimum cost.
The establishment of the Information Technology Center was pursued by TESDA Aklan led by then PD Lorena T. Yunque (now transferred to TESDA Iloilo) in 2005. TESDA-Aklan submitted project proposal to the Congressional District Office which merited the approval of Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores. The good Congressman strongly believes in the importance of computer education and information technology as support service to almost all industries in the province especially tourism activities.
Twenty staff members from LGU-Kalibo, TESDA Aklan and the Congressional Office were the initial participants of the Center’s program during the launching. They were oriented on computer education and livelihood training projects.
Further, on May 2, 2006 the month-long training on Computer Education and Livelihood Project was started. There were 72 trainees enrolled consisting of teachers from DepEd and employees from LGUs, Provincial Health Office, and Provincial Capitol who need to develop their competencies in computer education.
The trainers were from the Dynamic Educational Systems (DES) Corporation based in Makati City. Learning sessions consisted of ten modules that covered basic computer operation such as: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing, Data Base Management, Multimedia, Internet, Maintenance and Servicing. (LRO) /MP

The Info Tech Center (ITC) is a show-window of a collaborative effort aimed to bring computer education closer to many Aklanons. It offers learning sessions and livelihood project at a minimal cost.

Mr. John Panes from the Dynamics Educational System Corp. briefing the distinguished guests on the content of the training package for the ITC clients. They are Cong. Joeben Miraflores, PD Lorena T. Yunque, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.

Learning by Doing. Trainees listen to lecture and get hands-on exercises to fully understand the computer concepts.

BIR-Aklan Is Ready to Comply With Non-wage Benefit Order

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Aklan Revenue District Officer Lilivic Gatdula said “their office is ready to comply with the order of providing non-wage benefits to workers once the implementing guidelines and regulations are in place.”
This is in connection with Malacañang’s labor day announcement of giving non-wage benefits to workers which include the condonation of penalties on GSIS and SSS loans of workers, income tax exemption to minimum wage earners, additional allocation for housing loans with low interest rates, trainings and scholarships, and presence of commissaries at government offices that offer cheap merchandise to workers.
“Once there is already an order from higher BIR officials to exempt minimum wage earners from paying income taxes, their office would disseminate the necessary information and follow the order,” said Gatdula.
“Currently, withholding tax is not applied to employees receiving a monthly salary of P5,000.00,” she added.
This year, BIR-Aklan has a collection target of P445,435,000. Last year, of their P335,000,000 collection target, it was able to collect some P367,000,000, earning for themselves generous praises from provincial officials of Aklan as well as awards and recognition from BIR Regional Office for their excellent collection performance.
Gatdula is optimistic, BIR-Aklan will meet its collection target this year. She emphasized however, that this would be realized with the cooperation of all Aklanons by demanding official receipts when purchasing goods or availing of professional services.
“It is through the issuance of receipts that businessmen can declare their correct income and pay the right amount of taxes,” Gatdula concluded.
Meanwhile, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members who have availed of realty and restructured loans had long been enjoying the debt condonation privileges of the GSIS, according to Nona F. Moreño, Division Chief of the GSIS-Aklan Field Office.
According to aid Moreño, “these are the privileges being enjoyed by GSIS members. Regular payment of salary loans plus interest could not be condoned however, as this would affect those who are religiously paying their loans with the hope of having the privilege to borrow again.” (PIA/vgvillanueva) /MP

15 Aklan Scouts To Attend BIMP-EAGA
Urban Scout Jamboree

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Aklan Council announced that 15 boy scouts from the Aklan Council shall attend the Brunei – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Urban Scout Jamboree scheduled at the PTA Grounds, Davao City on May 26 to June 2, 2006.
Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Aklan BSP Council Chairman shall head the Aklan delegation. Tolentino shall also attend the Boy scouts of the Philippines national executive board’s 50th annual national council meeting at Davao City.
Scout Associations in countries comprising BIMP-EAGA (acronym of Brunei – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines – East Asian Growth Area) will compose the core of participants. Other scout associations of the Asia – Pacific had been invited to send delegates.

The objectives of the Jamboree are to:
a. provide activities for the Scouts and Scouters to share their culture and observe the cultures of others in the spirit of brotherhood and mutual respect; and
b. create an avenue through challenging, adventurous and cooperative activities that will foster peace and unity among nations in spite of the varying cultures and ideologies.
About 5,000 scouts and scouters from Local Councils throughout the Philippines are expected to attend the Jamboree, with the participation of some national scout associations in the Asia-Pacific Region. /MP

Editorial - May 13, 2006

Will Gonzales Persist On His Advice That Batasan 5
Go To The Mountain?



“I hope they go back to the mountains.” This is the reaction of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales to taunts from the Batasan 5 as they were going out of the gate of the Batasan complex, Quezon. Such a remark is so unbecoming of a justice secretary like Raul Gonzales. To hear such remark from him is so frustrating for a citizen who wishes that law and order will be restored in the Philippines. That remark from a secretary of justice will certainly promote more discontent and exodus to rebellion rather than reconciliation and peace.
Where can the Philippines have a more sober, reconciliatory and friendly secretary of justice?
The so called “Batasan 5” is composed of five congressman who belong to the party list. They are Satur Ocampo, Teodoro A. Casiño, Joel Virador, Rafael Mariano and Liza Maza. They sought refuge in the House of Representative on February 27, 2006 to evade arrest after state prosecutors filed rebellion charges against them for their alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. After Makati Regional Trial Court Judge, Jenny Lind Aldecoa – Dolorino refused to accept the rebellion charge against the five and the National Security Council ordered the police to allow the Batasan 5 to leave the Batasan Complex freely, the second stand off ended.
However, one other member, Congressman Crispin Beltran belonging to Anakpawis remains in custody on a separate rebellion charge. He is consigned in the Philippine Heart Center for heart ailment.
“The fight isn’t over . . . Lalaban Tayo! Lalaban Tayo! Lalaban Tayo!” Cried Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo walked through the main gate of the Batasan complex together with Casiño, Maza, Virador and Mariano.
According to Rep. Ocampo, “three is no rebellion case against us and no justification to block us, or arrest us”. “The cabinet cluster committee on internal Security had accepted defeat’, he pointed out.
The Department of Justice sought to include the names of Ocampo, Casiño, Mariano, Maza and Virador in a rebellion case. But on Thursday, May 4 the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 133 presided by judge Jennny Lind Aldecoa – Delorino dismissed the criminal indictment. According to Delorino, in her rejection of information as amended by the DOJ “the modifications constituted an altogether new information that could not supplement the original case. The DOJ panel submitted the documentary evidence minutes before. . .hearing the that should have been submitted with the proposed amended information where it was filed on April 21.
The prosecution was quite surprised of the “undue” haste in resolving the motion. . .it only submitted supporting documents minutes before the hearing”.
For rejecting the inclusion of the names of the Batasan 5, in a rebellion case, the DOJ panel believed judge Delorio had betrayed her impartiality. The DOJ panel believed the resolution of the said case was not done with impartiality. They sought that Judge Delorio inhibit herself from hearing the case.
Will Secretary Raul Gonzales continue advising the Batasan 5 to go to the mountain? If he persisted on his advice, then Gonzales is anti – peace. He does not deserved to remain on his position as Secretary of Justice. MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Will “Mona Lisa” Stay as Theme Song of DRSTMH?

The farmers from nine (9) barangays of Numancia, Aklan has organized themselves into what they call Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) with the assistance of the DAR, Provincial Agrarian Reform Office, Kalibo, Aklan. They call themselves Ylang–Ylang ARC. Ylang–Ylang is one beautiful flower which has fascinating scent. Its juice can be extracted and manufactured into high value perfumes. Besides its flowers, Ylang–Ylang can grow into a medium size tree that can withstand both rainy and dry seasons. Its fronds are of good shape that auger well as shade.
Barangays Aliputos, Badio, Bubog, Dongon East, Dongon West, Laguinbanua East, Laguinbanua West, Poblacion and Tabangka constitute the Ylang Ylang ARC, the 14th of its kind DAR – Aklan has organized.
“What has barangay Poblacion, Numancia has to do in the ARC?” A friend asked. “Is there land in the Poblacion that is available whether for land transfer or for leasehold?” A friend further asked. Maybe, there are; those vacant residential lots. These maybe rented or sold although beyond the scope of agrarian reform. The owners of the lots may plant flowers, vegetables or fruit trees while they are vacant.
In the other eight barangays mentioned, agrarian reform problem seems to be non existent although farm production is below the average. The land is more or less evenly distributed with non farmers leasing their farms to the actual tillers. What the DAR, specifically Numancia, can do is effect rapid farm production and increase net income.
According to DAR Aklan press release, it wishes to imbibe the character of Ylang–Ylang to the agrarian reform beneficiaries so as to translate their aspirations and dreams to make life of the farmers easier.
Ylang–Ylang ARC has a total land area of 1,980 hectares, of which 1,035 hectares are devoted to the planting of rice, corn, vegetables, fruits and coconuts. There are 406 farmer leaseholders. DAR can improve their lifestyle by providing them with access to technologies, additional investment for production, product processing and marketing of products. DAR can also institute value re-orientation and development especially in work habits and the effective use of resources.
-o-

In Aklan politics, former Congressman and also former mayor of Kalibo, Aklan Allen S. Quimpo has vehemently denied planning to launch his candidacy for the Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan for the 2007 election. Instead he said, “I am actively supporting the good governance of Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo of Kalibo.”
-o-
The “Batasan 5” who were locked up in the House of Representatives for 70 days went out of the Batasan complex in Capitol Hills, Quezon City yesterday. Their liberty is a sterling triumph of truth over evil. The five (5) are Congressman Teodoro Casiño, Cong. Liza Maza, Cong. Satur Ocampo, Cong. Joel Virador and Cong. Rafael Mariano. These five are all partylist representatives.
Meanwhile, Congressman Crispin Beltran is still locked up in his hospital ward in the Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City. He is fully guarded since his warrantless arrest on February 24, 2006 after the issuance of Presidential proclamation No. 1017.
-o-
Governor Carlito S. Marquez has inaugurated the P139 million new building of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital on April 25, 2006 during the Golden Aklan Jubilee Celebration. Many Aklanons have suggested through this column that DRSTMH changes its theme song “Mona Lisa” to another song with lively melody and active lyric. They wish to change “Mona Lisa” because of a line which states: “They just lay there and they die there”. The change will be in response to the aspirations of the Aklanons that DRSTMH will be really responsive to their health needs.
Because of scheduling of patients in the use of operating room at DRSTMH, a victim of motorcycle accident whose foot was badly injured was operated only after three days. The flesh was already rotting with obnoxious odor. While his wound healed, his foot was deformed inspite of all the remedies done by the surgeon.
An ice pick stabbing incident victim was brought to DRSTMH at midnight of April 30, 2006. He just lain there until 4:00 o’clock the following day when he was brought to a private hospital in Kalibo where he was operated.
The 21 year old victim was already feverish and chilling. In the course of the surgery, a good amount of dead blood clot was removed from inside his wound. It could have been a tragedy if he was allowed to lay there at DRSTMH for another few hours.
A six year old boy who fall from his bicycle suffered wound on his mouth. He was treated at DRSTMH after 36 hours stay. In the course of the treatment, a general anesthesia was administered. He collapsed after several hours, the after effect of the anesthesia. The boy was transferred to a private hospital where he recovered fast.
Can the DRSTMH change its theme song? I hope so, otherwise the aim of Governor Marquez of transforming it into an economic enterprise will just be another “impossible dream”. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ASU Inaugurates Tourism Education Program

Commissioner Hadja Luningning Mesuarez-Umar of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chair of the ASU Board of Regents graced the inauguration and blessing of the Tourism Education Laboratory on Food Processing in Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan held recently.
Commissioner Umar stressed in her message that “the activity manifests the university’s commitment to higher education and to go international.” She said that the laboratory on food processing is in response to the Education-Tourism Program of making the Philippines as Tourists’ Haven and Knowledge Center in Education in Asia and the Pacific. The said program takes advantage of the strengths of the Philippines Education System and at the same time tap the dollar – earning capacity of tourism through innovative programs that cater to foreign tourists.
The Tourism – Education Program is up for implementation in selected State Universities and Colleges in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which are situated in tourist destinations. With the Province of Aklan having the world-famous Boracay Island as a tourist destination, the ASU has been chosen by CHED to implement the education tourism packages in Western Visayas. ASU will soon be playing host to tourists who will be taking up short term courses through the food processing laboratory which would mean additional income for the University.
Commissioner Umar had appropriated P100,000.00 for the project, which aims to help boost the country’s dollar earnings and put the University in the education map of the world as well. It will also open doors for linkages with other foreign institutions through the tourists who will be taking up short term courses in ASU.
She thanked Director Zinnia P. Teruel of DOST Region VI for the technical and financial assistance extended to the laboratory on food processing. Likewise, to Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU President, for the fast implementation of the Tourism – Education Program in ASU and for holding record of being the first SUC in the country to implement the said program.
The program is in partnership with CHED, Technical Education Skills Development Authority, Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Science and Technology. (ACRelingo and SRVillasis, ASU-ECS). /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Traffic Code In Kalibo In Full Implementation

The Transport and Traffic Management Unit headed by Ms. Mary Gay V. Quimpo in the Municipality of Kalibo is under full implementation. Ordinance No. 2005-043 or the Traffic Code is enacted by the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan. Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, have began the strict implementation of the Traffic Code to ease down the congestion in the major thoroughfares and bring about the color coding of tricycles in an organized and aesthetic fashion.
However, the Transport and Traffic Management Unit has not fully implemented the re routing yet to give more time to the tricycle transport sector to familiarize with their designated routes and to avoid the creation of illegal terminals.
This implementation of the Traffic Code envisions a well – disciplined transport sector in the Municipality of Kalibo in concordance with the development of this first class municipality into a world-class metropolis. In concert with the continued growth of Tourism in the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo, the campaign for a disciplined transport sector, with courteous and helpful drivers will promote this first class town not only to the whole country but globally too. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Fil-Am Group, Vocals Start Long Journey

To Make Romblon an Eco–Tourism Hub

By Jeremiah M. Opiniano

In the serenity of sessions at the Romblon State College, Odiongan, Romblon, the country’s marble capital, is passionate sharing about how this “archipelago within an archipelago” can use available natural and human resources for eco-tourism.
While Boracay Island’s tourism program is “miles away,” officials of the US-based Romblon Discussion List – Cultural, Livelihood and Educational Assistance for Romblon (RDL-Clear), local officials and development groups have started to embark on a medium-to-long-term vision to make Romblon carve a niche through eco-tourism.
RDL-Clear executive director Ismael Fabicon, a native of Banton Island, said at this year’s Sanrokan Global Convention that Romblon has coastal and mountainous marvels which can be developed to attract more tourists (sanrokan means “sharing” in the vernacular tongue).
The provincial tourism office, through its newly-printed brochure, enumerated those – the Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park (one of the 29 declared eco-tourism sites nationwide), marine sanctuaries in Looc and Romblon towns, beaches such as Lapus-lapus in Calatrava and Aglicay in Alcantara, mountain springs and waterfalls, and caves such as the Guyangan Cave in Banton, where its Banton burial cloth is Southeast Asia’s oldest.
But Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Alice Fetalvero said “Herculean efforts are required.” While the province has formed its provincial and municipal tourism councils under limited budgets, Fetalvero told convention participants that if the communities are not prepared, the tourism efforts will prove to be “very difficult”.
Hotels and inns here, she said, have yet to comply to standards of an “economy class” room, while residents here are not also aware which places in Romblon are “attractions” for tourists.
There are neither travel agencies nor accredited tour guides and any more challenges for Romblomanon tourism are present, said Fetalvero, adding that Romblomanon tourism remains in its infant stage.
“Tourism will not only develop by presenting our natural attractions. Thus, we have to push tourism by helping and preparing our people, whose smiles and hospitality will make them the tourist attractions themselves,” said the province’s head of tourism.
But even if the Philippines and International websites and tourism groups have yet to include Romblon’s wonders in their list of places to see, local groups and residents said these people do not know what they are missing.
US Peace Corps volunteers, for example, have been helping residents of the capital Romblon to develop marine sanctuaries there, said Rey Mores of the non-profit Sentro Para Sa Ika-uunlad ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT). The Americans’ underwater video cameras have frequently captured images of attractive coral and fish species.
Sikat, for 15 years, has been developing Romblon, Romblon as an eco-tourism dive spot, while equipping fishermen and residents to preserve marine sanctuaries. Yet Mores said Romblon remains an unknown diving spot compared to Anilao, Batangas; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, and Boracay Island.
Looc town is another marine wonder, where its local government has ably supported its own community–based coastal resource management efforts. The LGU even won a Galing Pook Award in 2000 for its marine conservation program that also helped fishers with livelihood support.
Cultural heritage is also rich here. In Odiongan’s own “baywalk” near the port, children from Banton Island sang folk songs in their local Asi language while residents flocked the town plaza for a “Ms. Odiongan Kuno” gay beauty pageant.
Sanrokan chair Luvie Fopalan-Lumang said efforts here for eco-tourism will also value the preservation of the province’s local cultural heritage.
“Eco-tourism, when properly planned and executed here, offers an alternative that can add value to the local community, while making use of practices that help finance its indigenous culture and protecting the environment, Lumang added.
Romblon, which is 187 nautical miles from Manila, has three major islands – Tablas, sibuyan and Romblon – 17 islets.
The Sanrokan Global Convention is a biennial gathering of RDL – Clear that is now on its third edition. Romblomanons abroad – from the US and Saudi Arabia, for example – supported the staging of the event. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

QUIMPO: Not Interested For Electoral Post

By Boy Ryan Zabal


Former Aklan Congressman Allen Quimpo shrugged off reports that he will run against Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo next year.
That “is far from truth and reality,” he said.
Quimpo said he is no longer interested to seek an electoral post, adding that his main focus is the Aklan Rivers Development council where he is an executive director.
“I’d rather support Rebaldo in his re election,” said Quimpo, a three-termer solon and former mayor of Kalibo.
Quimpo’s decision came as a no surprise to political observers. He earlier publicly announced his retirement in local politics to concentrate more on “private sector-related functions.”
Quimpo is also the president of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) an a prime mover of the Kalibo Save The Mangrove Association (KASAMA) – a cooperative – to develop and promote the Bakhawan Eco-Park, a natural mangrove eco-center in Brgy. New Buswang.
Quimpo said he is most likely to support Rebaldo who is seeking re election in 2007 under the ruling local party Tibyog Akean, including the political and united leadership of Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez and Aklan Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Exclusive Report

Dangal Ng Barangay Product Encounter
Revitalizes Local Industries in Aklan


TESDA Aklan in collaboration with the KALAHI Farmer’s Center Technical Working Group (KFC-TWG), Philippines-Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (PATSARRD), Association of CTECs in Aklan (ACTECA), and LGU-Numancia successfully conducted the Dangal Product Encounter on March 21, 2006 at the Numancia Formation Center, Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan.
A total of 29 dangal products were showcased to the general public. These consisted of distinct local products such as nito, abaca, piña and bariw products. Lots of food products such as processed meat, native candies, taro chips, bibingka cake, high value vegetables and virgin coconut oil were also exhibited. Further, LGU – Libacao promoted its eco-tourism activities thru postcards, leaflets, t-shirts, and souvenir items showcasing the beautiful sceneries as well as the bamboo rafting and kayaking experience distinct to Libacao.
The Dangal Product Encounter is a marketing strategy which aims to assist the Community Training and Employment Coordinators (CTECs) and local producers in Aklan in product promotion. To ensure product attractiveness and appeal to the clients, TESDA tapped the members of the Marketing and Business Advisory Team (MBAT) of the KFC-TWG in the product evaluation. The experts noted the poor packaging/labeling of some local products and gave suggestions and recommendations for product enhancement.
A workshop was also conducted among Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs), Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) and Community Training and Employment Coordinators (CTECs).
The said workshop aimed to synchronize the programs and projects of these three frontliners in community development. This workshop was the first time when these catalysts of community development sat down and discussed common issues and concerns affecting their respective area of coverage. After the three-hour workshop, they were able to identify priority programs and projects for their respective municipalities. (LRO) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Liga Building To House GAB Extension Office

By Alex P. Vidal


Hon. Angel Briones of the Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan has offered to the Makati-based Games and Amusement Board (GAB) the use of the ground floor of the 2-million provincial Liga Ng Mga Barangay building at the back of the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz district as the GAB’s Iloilo extension office.
Briones made the offer to GAB Commissioner Alex Paglumotan during a dialogue attended by various organizers and leaders of professional sports in Iloilo City and province of Iloilo at Robinson’s Mall, Iloilo City on May 6.
Briones said, the building was a project of Senator Miriam Defensor – Santigao and is nearing its completion. “We are using top floor as gym for contact sports and we are offering the ground floor to be the extension office of GAB,” Briones said.

LICENSE

Briones said he made the offer to Paglumotan, a former Vice Mayor of Bacolod City, because he intends to license his athletes in Iloilo intending to turn professional.
GAB’s other extension office is located in Bacolod City and Briones said many of his poor athletes find it hard to cross the sea just to apply for professional license.
The board member was referring to his amateur boxers in the municipalities of Ajuy and Anilao who regularly participate in his boxing program in the fifth district of Iloilo. For his part, Paglumotan said, he was elated by Briones’ gesture saying he would report the “good news” to GAB Chairman Eric Buhain who was in Tokyo to supervise the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimum weight title fight between champion Eagle Kyowa and Cebuano challenger Rodel Mayol. Kyowa, a Thai won the fight by split decision on Saturday night, May 6 held at Kurukuean Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.

GOV. TUPAS

Paglumotan also thanked Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. in a phone conversation facilitated by Briones after the dialogue where the governor expressed his support to the proposal to make the Liga building as Iloilo extension office of the GAB.
Paglumotan was delighted to hear Briones’ offer as the commissioner was still contemplating on asking Iloilo City lone district Rep. Raul Gonzales, Jr. to provide the extension office.
“The gestures of both Governor Tupas and Board Member Briones augur well with our desire to bring the government to the people like what we are doing in the Games and Amusement Board,” said the ecstatic Paglumotan, who is Tupas’ friend when the governor was still Congressman of the fifth district of Iloilo. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Magalit Holds Grand Reunion

The 3rd Magalit Grand Reunion was held on May 5–7, 2006 at Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan. It was sponsored by the Damaso Magalit Foundation, Inc. (DMFI).
According to Ms. Myrna Magalit Escalona, those who attended the reunion were the direct descendants of Damaso Tolentino Magalit and Antonina Helario who begot Crisogono, Basilio, Venancio, Zacarias, Victor, Dativa, Leon and Ma. Consuelo.
The highlight of the celebration was the program held at the New Washington Sports Complex to the Sampaguita Gardens Convention Hall, Poblacion, New Washington. There was invocation by Ralph D. Magalit, Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas led by Linda M. Azur. Myrna M. Escalona welcome the participants and presided over the grand assembly meeting. Ms. Escalona is the president of the Damaso Magalit Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Landelino B. Meñez presented the major family groups. Pedro B. Magalit gave a message. There were socials and photo sessions. The raffle was presided by Irma O. Quiambao where several quality prizes were awarded to the lucky participants. Ethel Magalit Manikan took charge of parlor games for children.
In the evening of May 6, a big dinner was held where Master and Little Miss DMFI were proclaimed. Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino presided the coronation ceremonies as coronation speaker. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Editorial

The Role of ICT In Local Governance *


* MESSAGE OF AKLAN GOVERNOR CARLITO S. MARQUEZ DURING THE 1ST e QUALITY ICT SUMMIT ON APRIL 27, 2006 AT 7: P.M. SAMPAGUITA GARDENS, NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN


Greetings!

This is another opportunity for all of us in Aklan to be proud of. We are very much happy to note that our province has been again chosen as venue for this kind of convention which you call a summit. I think this is one of the biggest gatherings hosted by Aklan province with delegations coming from some 250 State Colleges and Universities all throughout the country.
It is therefore my greatest pleasure to welcome you all for this first ever e-Quality ICT Summit held here in my province with the hope that the 3-day interaction can become fruitful and productive for the greater benefit of our people in our respective places.
I would like to be particularly thankful to the Aklan State University headed by its President, the good Doctor Benny A. Palma for becoming the moving force in bringing in to Aklan delegations from the various State Colleges nationwide for this first ever summit about Information and Communication Technology.
We need not emphasize the urgency of being updated and become an advocate and practitioner of ICT. Otherwise, being left behind in this particular field of technology will mean becoming laggards in many aspects of human and technological competition in the international sphere, the nation and her people must be into the latest in information and communication technology.
Information and Communication Technology will spell intellectual and therefore economic advancement of the nation and her people. ICT is a technological phenomenon becoming a stark reality and to be left behind will mean intellectual and economic retrogression.
I am glad that our State Colleges and Universities had taken the cudgels for the benefit of our people. Propagation and promotion of ICT among adherents must start with our school system where many of our young people are taking refuge to acquire relevant and effective education.
We need not emphasize also that ICT spells investments and employment. It is in this field that many of our workers who are employed earn decently and adequately.
ICT can best promote our potentials in every locality, like our tourism industry anchored on Boracay Island and our Ati Atihan Festival plus the other natural attractions of our province. Through ICT, projections of our places can gain the widest and farthest reach throughout the universe. Tourism of our province is best promoted through the latest in information and communication technology. Now, our tourism has already become a four billion peso arrivals hitting the half a million mark of last year. We project the number of visitors to hit the one million mark by year 2010 and ICT can do it for us. ICT is no longer a fiction or a make-believe phenomenon. It is a reality that has become urgent for all of us.
Effective local governance can be had through ICT when corruption can be lessened.
This is the reason why we are slowly automating transactions in Local Governance. We had just implemented the e-bidding in our provincial government through the provincial general services office where bidding of supplies, goods and services had become wide wide open with suppliers duly informed from all nooks and corners of the country with ICT facilities and infrastructure.
Slowly, we will be automating our real property tax assessment and collection with the provincial government at the lead and initially including the bigger towns of Kalibo, the capital, New Washington and Malay near Boracay Island. We availed of thirty-nine million peso loan with the Philippine National Bank to undertake this project because it is very necessary. As soon as this is installed, we expect revenues from real property taxes to reach more than double the traditional collection figures.
We are also attempting to automate our ticketing system and other services in our jetty ports for the convenience of tourists. ICT indeed is a must and we must be into it if our goal is to progress by leaps and bounds.
ICT can become our savior from decades of economic deprivation and from mediocrity in extending services to our people.
I wish you all the best during your stay here. We hope to be technologically nourished after this summit.
Thank you very much. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente


SB Kalibo Members Are Busy


The Supreme Court of the Philippines declared Presidential Proclamation No. 1017 is valid but the acts made in consequence to it are unconstitutional. Example of these acts are the “no permit no rally” policy, the arrest of UP Professor Randy David, the raid of Tribune Editorial offices and others.
According to Secretary Bunye, it is too early to apologize as petition for reconsideration maybe filed soon. Sec. Bunye would perhaps file a petition for reconsideration to invalidate the decision to make PP 1017 invalid.

-o-

Mr. Enrique Dionio, President of the Aklan Fishpond operators Cooperative (AFOC) has proposed to Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo that AFOC be allowed to develop, operate, and maintain the “Bagsakan” located between Oyo Torong Street and the Aklan river. Mayor Rebaldo was interested in the proposal and so he requested Mr. Dionio to put it in writing.
In view of the favorable reaction of Mayor Rebaldo, Mr. Dionio on February 11, 2006 wrote the simple proposal and submitted it to the office of Mayor Rebaldo on February 13, 2006. On March 8, 2006 Mayor Rebaldo favorably indorsed to Hon. Melanie Tolentino, Chair of the Committee on Market and to Hon. Gregorio Malapad, Chair of Ways and Means Committee for their appropriate action. Until this writing, May 5, 2006 or after two months, Mr. Dionio is “still dreaming what happened to his proposal.”
As he related to me his story, I urged him to be patient as the Sangguniang Bayan Members of Kalibo are so busy the past months.” What do they do?” he asked. Well, I said, they are busy with projects like Information Technology, the library and others the past months. Last week they were in Baguio City to attend a sort of a seminar. “I understand” replied Mr. Dionio.
The proposal, according to Dionio, is to develop that site into a “Fish Center”. But business will also include fresh meat, poultry and eggs and fruits and vegetables. The project aims to provide stability of supply and price of high quality products to the people of Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Miss Numancia 2006 Beauty

By Christy Ann Navarra

“Inner beauty matters most.” That’s what she firmly believes. Ms. Jackyln Denise Reyes Sales of Barangay Navitas was crowned Ms. Numancia 2006 during the Grand Pageant and Coronation Night on April 29, 2006 at the Cultural Stage, Numancia Town Plaza, Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan. Coronation of Miss Numancia was one of the special features of the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in Numancia, Aklan.
A true Filipina beauty at her best, Jackyln Denise, an eighteen year old stunning 5’5” beauty, body and brain was not only proclaimed Miss Numancia 2006, she was awarded as: Best in Production Number, Best in Talent, Best in Swimsuit, Ms. Hair Dimension Choice Award, Ms. Lucky Face Choice Award and Ms. Avon Choice Award.
Jackyln Denise Sales is the eldest child of Mr. Jose and Mrs. Remedios Sales of Brgy. Navitas, Numancia. She will be third year college student in Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Technology (BSHRT) in Aklan State University – Kalibo this coming school year. In an interview, she revealed she chose BSHRT course for two reasons – because she wanted to be a Hotelier and plans to put up a hotel of her own someday.
Her sexy body measures 34–25–36 enabling her to win the award for Best in Swimsuit. Her excellent introductory production number and her very touching, seemingly perfect charcoal painting and ethnic dancing talents gave her the Best in Production Number and Best in Talent Awards.
Jackyln Denise is one of the five finalists who came from the different Barangays of Numancia. They were all students whose ages ranged from 14 to 18 years old who competed in the beauty contest.
The other winners are Ms. Friendship and Best in Long Gown – Ms. Catherine Marie Gallardo of Brgy. Albasan, Ms. Photogenic – Niesel Jane I. Gonzales of Brgy. Bulwang and Best in Interview – Ms. Rosemel P. Tolentino also of Brgy. Bulwang.
Before the winners’ names were announced, Ms. Aileah Kathleen Gonzales Tropa, Ms. Numancia 2005 made her farewell walk and farewell speech in the evening of April 29, 2006, the Coronation Night.
The throne of Miss Numancia 2006, Her Majesty Jackyln Denise was composed of First Runner Up – Niesel Jane I. Gonzales, 2nd Runner Up – Catherine Marie P. Gallardo 3rd Runner Up – Rosemel P. Tolentino, and 4th Runner Up - Jonelyn S. Laurente.
The Search for Ms. Numancia 2006 was graced by Governor and Mrs. Carlito S. Marquez. It was organized by Hon. Perla Flores Badilla – Executive Chairman and Hon. Albert Ilarina – Pageant Coordinator. Mr. Ralph Baniqued and Mr. Leopoldo C. Sanchez, Jr. – were the Master of Ceremonies. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

WBF Official Graces GAB Boxing Convention

By Alex P. Vidal

World Boxing Foundation (WBF) President Mick Croucher was the only world boxing body international chief present during the 1st Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Philippine Boxing Convention held last April 18–22 at the Hotel Hyatt and Casino here in Manila.
The convention, attended by some of the country’s boxing managers, coaches, ring officials – referees and judges, promoters as well as guests from other world governing boxing groups, saw the awarding and recognition of Filipino world and national champions.
GAB Commissioner Alex A. Paglumotan announced that Posthumous awards were given to the former Filipino world boxing champions.
“Hundreds of local delegates from the ranks of big time promoters and managers, top referees and judges as well as the boxers themselves convened for this occasion,” said Paglumotan.
The GAB also recognized some of the deserving promoters, referees and judges who in one way or another have paved the way for the development of professional boxing in the Philippines. /MP

THREESOME. WBF President Mick Croucher, WBF Philippine Supervisor Alex Vidal, and Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Alex A. Paglumotan during the “Rumble at the Park” boxing promotion at the Rajah Sulaiman Park, Manila, Philippines April 21, 2006. The card was the highlight of the 1st GAB Boxing Convention at the Hotel Hyatt and Casino, Manila. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Ro Mangmang Nga Salampati

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

May sangka saeampati, kon taw gon hay si Pindo. Isaeang ka maisot ag ordinaryong saeampati. Imaw ra rong guina sugo para maghatod it mga balita ko tag ana. Naisip ko tag–ana nga ibaligya imaw tungod maeoya eon ag mangmang pa.
Guinbaligya imaw kaibahan it ibang pispis. Guinsueod sanda sa isaeang ka hawla ko naka bakae agod isakay sa tren sa mahabang panakayon paadto sa San Francisco, California Estados Unidos. Pag–abot sa San Francisco, guin halin sanda sa mabahoe nga bapor nga madali eon lang magtueak paadto sa Australia.
Maskin nakasakay eon sa barko si Pindo, guina tinguha nana guihapon nga makaguwa sa hawla ag makabalik sa syudad it Nueba York, pero mabakod rong hawla. Makataliwan rong limang Domingo, nakaabot eon sanda sa pier it Sydney, Australia. Nakakulong pa guihapon si Pindo, pero gusto pa guihapo nanang magbalik sa Nueba York. Guin diskarga ro mga kahon ag bariles parabil magsirena ro barko para magtueak sa ibang destinasyon. Bangud sa pagmadali ko mga tripulante, nasamad rong hawla ni Pindo ag imaw hay nakaguwa. Eompad imaw it kataas taas, pagkatapos nag umpisang mageopad sa maeapad nga kadagatan it Pasifico. Pauli eon imaw sa anang dating guin istaran sa Nueba York.
Owa it nakasayod kon paano nana guin atubang rong mga naga alimpuyong bagyo, pati ro mabaskog nga hangin ag uean. Abo imaw nga nasub-eang nga mga kaaway sa daean, mga banog sa dagat nga haum kumaon it mga pispis nga kapareho nana.
Indi eon haeos imaw maka eopad, mahina eon ro anang eawas ag bali ro anang pakpak. Ano mang oras, mahueog imaw sa tubi ag maeonod. Isaeang ka bapor ro anang nakita. Kinampay nana ro anang katapusang kusog ag tumugpa imaw sa barko nga parang patay. Nakaeopad imaw it sobrang 4,000 milya ro distansya nga owa it pagkaon ag pahuway.
Guin tatap imaw it kapitan it barko ag guinhigtan it manipis nga papel ro anang siki nga may nakasueat kon paalin imaw nakaabot sa bapor. Pagdungka it bapor sa San Francisco, guinbuhian imaw it kapitan. Bumalik sa Nueba York si Pindo. Makataliwan rong waeong adlaw, hakibot ro dating tag-ana kat makita nana si Pindo sa baeay it Saeampati. “Dapat rayang pispis hay idto sa Sidney, Australia”, hambae pa nana.
Rayang pispis nga guina bilang nana nga mangmang hay halin pa sa kaeayuon nga 11,000 milya halin sa Sidney, Australia hasta sa syudad it Nueba York.
Halin kato, nag baylo ro pag tan aw kay Pindo. Bukon eon imaw it mang-mang. Imaw eang rong nakahimo it tumaeagsahong pag-eopad sa tanan nga pispis sa ibabaw it eogta. Owa eon igbaligya si Pindo maskin baylohan pa it bueawan nga 20 pilo rong timbang. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Congratulations CBIS *

* Text of the “Impression” of the Honorable Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Vice Governor, Province of Aklan, during the 1st Anniversary of the CBIS, Ati Atihan 98.5 Hot FM at the Capt. Gil Mijares memorial Bldg., Kalibo, Aklan on May 2, 2006. (Delivered by Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, Secretary To The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.)


The honorable Ronquillo “Kel” COnanan Tolentino, Vice Governor, province of Aklan would like to extend his apologies to the management and staff of the Community Broadcast Information System, Ati Atihan 98.5 Hot FM for his failure to be with us tonight in this very significant occasion on the life of a radio station which has fast become a broadcast institution in this province.
The Honorable Vice Governor has to attend a prior commitment which is also happening at the same time we are celebrating here today.
Allow me therefore to read his impression for in his behalf.
Anibersaryo Uno it Ka-Tribu. A great line which is pleasing to the ears of people directly involved in Broadcast Journalism particularly to the management and staff of CBIS.
One year ago today, CBIS went on the air, a decision taken by the Municipal Government of Kalibo under the Honorable Raymar A. Rebaldo, the Municipal Mayor braving criticisms and pessimism coming from many sectors, the Aklan media community included.
One year after, until today, the municipal government, management and staff of Ati Atihan 98.5 Hot FM had proven the critics wrong.
98.5 Hot FM has indeed become hot, warmly welcome and received by avid listeners, established its own followings, and a horde of admirers and fanatics to some extent brought about by its quality programming and the choice of corresponding anchor persons to its broadcast time slots.
One year is too short but 98.5 Hot FM had gone far and established itself as a broadcast station worthy of our respect for its credibility, accuracy, fairness and adherence to truth, justice and as rescuer of people in distress and dire need.
True, the Municipal Government of Kalibo may had partly subsidized the operation of CBIS, but the resources poured into it by the Local Government Unit can be equally and justifiably compensated by the station fulfilling its mission to serve our people better if not the best.
98.5 Hot FM has become a dynamic partner of the LGU of the capital town in bringing truthful information to the constituents. As a matter of fact, it is not only the LGU of Kalibo which has benefited from the airwaves occupied by 98.5 FM but also other Local Government Units including the Provincial Government of Aklan. For that, we in the Provincial Government under Governor Carlito S. Marquez are thankful to CBIS for complimenting our information dissemination efforts in the province.
I foresee in the operation of this radio station to be self-liquidating and self-sustaining. There will come a time that this particular radio station can generate its own revenues for its operation and can even augment the revenue generating capability of the Local Government unit of Kalibo provided it has to stick to quality and responsible broadcasting with focus on developmental communication rather than the adversarial one.
Today, we celebrate the anniversary of an institution which has shown it has the capacity to attain supremacy in the airwaves like the other private radio stations in Kalibo and Aklan.
As we celebrate, and as active members of the media community in the province of Aklan, we are also saddened by the passing away of one of our colleagues whom we consider as among the pillars of community journalism, broadcast and print, in this part of the country.
While we celebrate, let us not forget to offer our prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear colleague, the respected media practitioner, Selmar Selorio Maribojo.
On this first anniversary of CBIS, I wish to extend, in behalf of my family and the office of the Vice Governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, our warmest felicitations and congratulations to LGU Kalibo and the management and staff of the Community Broadcast Information System, 98.5 Hot FM in the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

CICT Holds Summit

The Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CITC) held its 2006 eQuality Summit on April 27 – 29, 2006 at Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington, Aklan. Several topics were discussed anchored on the theme: Empowering State Universities and Colleges Thru ICT.
The summit was attended and participated by some 250 delegates from State Universities and Colleges (SUC) led by their respective SUC’s presidents from all over the Philippines.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez welcomed the delegates to Aklan and emphasized the importance of ICT in local governance and development. (See full text of speech on page 2).
Several topics were presented and discussed leading to the empowerment of SUC’s thru ICT. Dr. Maria Beebe discussed ”Connecting Schools and Communities” while Dr. James Beebe discussed “Leadership and Technology”. Other topics discussed were “Enterprise Architecture” by Prof. Derek Keats; “Mobility Solutions and Wimax” – by Carlo Subido. “Data Encryption Technologies” by Richmond Sy, “IntelliSite Corporation” by Bernardo Mitra and “UNV’s Spirit of Volunteerism” by Sandra Romero Ruiz.
Engr. Denis F. Villorente, Executive Director of Advanced Science and Technology Institute discussed “Enhancing Knowledge – Networking For Research and Education through PREGINET. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

SPECIAL REPORT

Brand New Car Worth P800,000 Slips Santillan’s Hands

By Alex P. Vidal


When millionaire Toshiaki Kobayashi first wagered a brand new Toyota car for Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welterweight champion Rev. Santillan in a dinner the night prior to his title defense against unbeaten Hiroshi Yamaguchi at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan on April 20, the agreement was for the 28-year old Iloilo-born champion to flatten Yamaguchi inside five rounds of their 12-round championship tiff.
“I will give Rev a brand new car if he will knockout the Japanese (challenger) within five rounds. Not eight rounds because I don’t want him to suffer cuts,” the 56-year-old Panchenko slot machine tycoon told Santillan’s manager Rex “Wakee” Salud and trainer Crisologo “Brix” Flores over a dinner at the glitzy Shinjuku district.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
“Thank you, sir,” replied the 5 feet and 11 inches tall Santillan who bowed his head to acknowledge the Good Samaritan’s benevolence.
Little did the Team Santillan know that Kobayashi, the boxer’s long-time admirer, actually was bent on giving the lefty Santillan the car even if the knockout would come after five rounds or even if the fight went the full route in favor of the Filipino boxer.
The morning before the fight, Salud said he learned that Kobayashi, chief executive officer of San-A Corporation, phoned by long distance the Cebu office of Toyota Corporation to reserve one brand new car worth P800,000.
If converted to cash, Santillan could end up pocketing P1,550,000 (including his US$15,000 purse win or lose).

HOW TO CLAIM THE CAR

The car, to be paid by Kobayashi’s San-a Corporation Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu office, would be claimed by Santillan only after repulsing Yamaguchi and upon his return to Cebu (he was booked on PR flight 434 Narita-Cebu last April 21.
The good news was reportedly relayed to Salud by Kobayashi’s wife Linda, a native of Leyte, inside Santillan’s dressing room at the Korakuen Hall hours before the title match.
The visibly tense Kobayashi, a frequent Cebu visitor and a casino habitué, talked to Salud near the ringside and reminded him that to win convincingly, Santillan (22 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 16 KOs), must score an early knockout.
Kobayashi’s two male staffs carried the two Philippine flags and waved them as Santillan climbed the ring.
In the opening round, 27-year-old Yamaguchi (14 wins, 0 loss, 1 draw, 11 KOs), egged and cheered by the partisan crowd, clearly outslicked the visitor with crisp combinations and his speed befuddled the taller champion.
In the second round, the 7th ranked Yamaguchi, showboating and teasing the champion like a clown, continued to be the superior fighter as he opened a nasty cut above Santillan’s right eyebrow with a wicked left straight. A stream of blood started to bother the former amateur champion from Jaro, Iloilo City as the faster Yamaguchi was connecting at well.

STILL NO KNOCKOUT

After five rounds, the dream knockout didn’t come. To compound the matter, Yamaguchi was leading on the scorecards of the three judges from Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. The only consolation for the defending titlist was that Yamaguchi, too, had a cut over his left eyebrow.
In the 11th round, the tired by still dangerous Santillan uncorked a dazzling right cross followed by a left uppercut to Yamaguchi’s chin sending the pesky but durable challenger to the canvas for a clean knockdown.
The bloodied Yamaguchi, hurt and embarrassed, struggled to his feet and managed to beat the mandatory 8 count administered by scoring referee Anek Hongtongkam.
Smelling a stoppage victory, Santillan poured his all in the 12th and final canto and the two gladiators exchanged heavy blows and totured each to the delight of the fans who were at the edge of their seats.

THE RESULT

When the verdict was announced, Yamaguchi toppled the OPBF crown off the head of Santillan with a split decision win. The final score: Anek Hongtongham (Thailand) 114-113 and Ukrid Sarasas (Japan) 115-113, both for Yamaguchi, and Alex Vidal (Philippines) 115-112 for Santillan.
As the crestfallen Santillan descended from the ring, Kobayashi rose to his seat and gave the 53-year-old Salud a somber look and wailed loudly: “Wakee (Salud), you climb up the ring and protest the decision.”
Salud speechless and visibly shocked, ignored the challenges and, with head vowed, callously walked away from the scene.
The brand new Toyota car slipped away from Santillan’s gripe. /MP madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DOT to accredit transport vehicles

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

At least three tourist land transport vehicles of the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative-Shuttle Van Group (CBTMPC-SVG) will be given accreditation by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“The issuance of accreditation to tour operators would guarantee the convenience and safety of tourists visiting the province and to the world famous tourist destination - Boracay Island,” said DOT Boracay officer-in-charge Judith Icotanim.
CBTMPC-SVG Business Manager Jingco said that his group submitted the requirements for DOT-6 accreditation and also sought partnership with Mabuhay Hosts Association to ensure quality service to local and foreign tourists.
Every tourist operator must be found roadworthy, properly equipped with adequate air-conditioning units, and with at least one portable fire extinguisher for the protection of its passengers, he added.
DOT accreditation had been issued to tourist land transport operator Southwest Tours much earlier but Icotanim said this is the first time a transport cooperative would be given Certificate of Accreditation by DOT 6 Regional Director Edwin Trompeta in Aklan.
CBTMPC-SVG recently opened its 800-square meter Kalibo transport terminal equipped with comfort rooms, passenger waiting area, canteen and a sprawling parking area for its 42 L300 utility vans plying the Kalibo-Caticlan route.
“This (accreditation) would regulate the fares and improve the tourist transport services to our visitors,” Jingco claimed./MP

FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

BFP Aklan calls for public support
By BOY RYAN B.ZABAL

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Aklan is appealing to the communities for support in its fire prevention and protection awareness campaign.
Chief Insp. Dennis L. Daymon, Provincial Fire Marshal, said the support of every citizen in the fire safety and protection campaign would save lives and properties during fire incidents.
BFP Aklan is presently celebrating the Fire Prevention Month with the theme “Pamayanan Sama-Sama Laban sa Sunog.”
“We are stepping up our fire suppression and prevention campaign on nine identified fire-prone areas in Kalibo particularly C. Laserna and Oyo Torong. BFP Aklan is also conducting yearly fire drills in schools to ensure the readiness and alertness of its personnel during fire incidents,” he said.
Daymon, who was reassigned in Aklan on January 16, 2006 after his stint at BFP Guimaras, directed his 78 personnel in Aklan to intensify their fire safety awareness campaign in every barangay and establishments by getting the involvement of fire brigade volunteers.
SFO4 Darius Melgarejo of BFP Aklan noted 20 fire incidents from January to November last year claimed the lives of two persons and damaged P70.945-million worth of properties. Damage rose to 176.70 percent during that period.
The biggest fire that BFP Aklan recorded was the January 21, 2005 blaze at the talipapa of Boracay Island.
“To ensure the people’s safety, fire safety inspectors are conducting periodic inspection of establishments in Aklan and seminar / fire drill with barangay officials, students and tanods,” Melgarejo pointed out.
Meanwhile, Daymon thanked Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo for providing BFP the logistics in the conduct of fire safety and prevention campaign, including the proposal for a new site for BFP Aklan and the municipal fire station./MP

‘One-entry, one-exit scheme unfair to boat operators’

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Provincial Ordinance 05-032 mandating the one entry, one exit scheme in this island is favorable to big resort owners with boats but unfair to local boat operators, claimed Jesus Jingco, business manager of the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Shuttle Van Group (CBTMPC-SVG).
He cited Section 5 of the provincial ordinance exempting resorts with boats from following the single entry-exit scheme.
“If the ordinance is for security purposes, it should apply to all,” Jingco said.
The ordinance emphasizes the need to lessen motorized pump boats in the beachfronts and give more security to visitors and residents, but it is also prejudicial to individual boat operators plying the Caticlan-Boracay route if the province permits resorts to load and unload its guests in designated stations in the White Beach, he averred.
Jingco also challenged the provincial government to look into the operations of the Welcome Center, a privately owned port operated by a pool of resort owners. He said it directly competes with the Caticlan Jetty Port, the designated jump-off point to Boracay.
Every visitor of resorts and hotels is paying P30 for entrance fee and P50 for the environmental fee similar to the fees imposed at Caticlan Jetty Port, Jingco said.
Aklan Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino said the Welcome Center was established even before the Caticlan Jetty Port started operating. It was allowed to continue operating by the local government of Malay because of the investments of the owners in the resort-island, he explained.
“The Welcome Center loading area is exclusively for their clients and has been there for almost eight years now,” he said.
April 1 after a regional trial court junked the petition for declaratory relief of the local government of Malay.
Jingco said the continued operation of Welcome Center compromises the security of the island.

Gloria ‘takes 2’ on Aklan Day

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

For the second time in four years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the guest of honor in the founding anniversary of Aklan as an independent province.
Aklan was officially created as a distinct province from Capiz after President Ramon Magsaysay signed the Republic Act 1414 on April 25, 1956.
The Act was sponsored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos, hailed as the “Father of Aklan.”
In 2002, Arroyo graced the 46th anniversary at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex during the incumbency of former three-termer governor Florencio Miraflores.
Arroyo said Aklan is one of the best tourist destinations because it has world-class beaches, exciting caves and colorful festivals.
Aside from these, Aklan also has abundant agricultural products and highly competitive marine products.
“Let this anniversary (46th year) celebration be the start of our renewed effort to broaden the horizons of peace, progress and unity. And we thank Aklan because you have given Boracay to the entire Philippines,” said Arroyo in her speech on April 25, 2002.
In this year’s anniversary, the President will inaugurate the P139-million World Bank-financed second level referral (non-teaching) Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital.
Arroyo also led the groundbreaking rites of the multi-million Shangri-La resort in Boracay Island on April 2005 and graced the celebration of the famous Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival on January 14, 2006.
Cong. Jose Alba-Urquiola and Eufronio Alba of the 2nd and 3rd Districts of Capiz were among the first Aklan leaders who presented a bill for the separation of Aklan from Capiz in 1920; however, many politically influential Capizeños were against them.
It was later renamed as Urquiola-Pastrana when Alba lost on Pastrana’s protest against the election of Alba. In 1925, Cong. Manuel Laserna and Teodulfo Suñer in 1930 tried to seek the separation of Aklan from Capiz but this also proved futile.
In 1934, Cong. Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon of the 3rd District also introduced a separation bill and successfully secured the approval of the Committee on Provincial and Municipal Governments after the due hearings. But he failed to push through in November of 1934 due to lack of time.

Aklan Board condemns state of emergency

By RECTO I. VIDAL

Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawiganhere have collectively expressed expressed theiropposition and condemnation over a series of executiveorders made by President Arroyo over the weekend.

However, the approval of a resolution stronglycondemning Proclamation 1017 and General Order No.5 ofPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and declaring thecollective voice of Aklanons for its immediate repealand revocation, was deferred after some of its member expressed concern over the strong language being usedby its sponsors Board members Franklin Quimpo andRamon Gelito.

"In essence, the members share the same sentiments incondemning the acts of the President however some ofthe SP members expressed their reservations inapproving said resolution due to its strong languangethus the proponents were urged to finetune the wordings of said resolution," SP member SelwynIbarretta, committee chair on laws, rules andordinances,told his colleagues.

Earlier, SP Member Plaridel Morania raised certainlegal and constitutional issues and expressed deepconcern over said resolution and warned his colleaguesto be "discreet and careful" due to the fact that theprovincial board is representing the people. "

I highly condemn the acts of our chief executive butlets be careful in approving this resolution for theseinvolves our people and they might get angry if weapprove this on a haphazard manner considering thatthe situation is still confusing and liquid."

President Arroyo has signed on February 24,Proclamation 1017, declaring a "state of emergency allover the country," and General Order No. 5," givingthe police and military powers to carry out necessaryand appropriate actions and measures to suppress andprevent acts of terrorism and lawless violence." "

Pursuant to this highly anomalous, immoral andillegal order, the police has effected severalwarantless arrests like the arrst of Professor RandyDavid, retired General Montano, People' Rep. CrispinBeltran (Anakpawis), Joel Virador of BayanMuna-Davao,Teodoro Casno (Bayan Muna), Liza Maza(Gabriela), Satur Ocampo (Bayan Muna) and raided theoffices of the Dialy Tribune, and the residence offormer Senator Gregorio Honasan and even tried to takeaway former Joseph E. Estrada in addition to thethreat of arrest of countless leaders of theopposition," Quimpo contended.

Considering the spirit and substance of the 1987Constitution of the Philippines, the Bill of Rightsand Civil Liberties are sacred rights that must beprotected by all, especially the wielders of power ndauthority, according to Gelito.

The twin proclamations is a major trespass of theabode constitutionally guaranteed rights like therights to free speech, right to peaceful assembly ndright against unreasonable searches, and show thatblack shadows of how people were abused and violatedduring the regime of Martial law.

Under a regime of justice and democracy these kind ofproclamations, are a major deterrent to a sound andpeaceful social and economic society whixh undulymakes the Philippines a major country forinternational concern nd anxiety whose damage to theeconomy, progress and stability cannot be fathomed.

Aklan is for Charter Change

Kalibo, Aklan – Aklan will soon have an OFW Migrant Desk to cater to the needs of the province’ Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said this OFW Migrant Desk which would be located at the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) is the first to be opened in Region 6.

The MOA Signing was held at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House here March 17, with OWWA Administrator Marianito D. Roque and Governor Carlito S. Marquez as the main signatories, and witnessed by Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino and several Aklan mayors.

Adm. Roque said the opening of an OFW Migrant Desk in Aklan is very essential as Aklan has many OFWs. According to him, queries about family members abroad who failed to communicate could be made possible through the Migrant Desk or problems being experienced by OFWs abroad and other concerns could be aided by the OWWA through its welfare offcials in 30 embassies all over the world.

Roque said besides taking care of OFWs’ welfare when they get out of the country to work, OWWA also helps in the mediation process when problems between OFWs and employers arise, assists in repatriation of OFWs, has an existing scholarship program for children of OFWs and offers livelihood programs to OFWs and their families.

Governor Marquez said the opening of the migrant desk is timely because Aklan sends hundreds of OFWs abroad working as domestic helpers, nurses, marine officers and many others and this is evidenced with the upliftment of lives of their families and their beautiful houses found in the different parts of the province today.

Aklan, according to Vivian Ruiz R. Solano, PESO- Manager has 561 documented OFWs, traced through a survey done by the office.

Solano said there is a big number of Aklan OFWs but many failed to answer the survey.

Continuing efforts by PESO-Aklan are being done to obtain the real number of OFWs in the province, according to Solano.

Those from OWWA who came with Adm. Roque to Alan were Regional Director Raul Debris, Noel Chavez and Allen Arroyo, Family Welfare Officer. (VGVillanueva/PIA-Aklan)

Region’s first OFW Migrant Desk to open in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan – Aklan will soon have an OFW Migrant Desk to cater to the needs of the province’ Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said this OFW Migrant Desk which would be located at the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) is the first to be opened in Region 6.

The MOA Signing was held at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House here March 17, with OWWA Administrator Marianito D. Roque and Governor Carlito S. Marquez as the main signatories, and witnessed by Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino and several Aklan mayors.

Adm. Roque said the opening of an OFW Migrant Desk in Aklan is very essential as Aklan has many OFWs. According to him, queries about family members abroad who failed to communicate could be made possible through the Migrant Desk or problems being experienced by OFWs abroad and other concerns could be aided by the OWWA through its welfare offcials in 30 embassies all over the world.

Roque said besides taking care of OFWs’ welfare when they get out of the country to work, OWWA also helps in the mediation process when problems between OFWs and employers arise, assists in repatriation of OFWs, has an existing scholarship program for children of OFWs and offers livelihood programs to OFWs and their families.

Governor Marquez said the opening of the migrant desk is timely because Aklan sends hundreds of OFWs abroad working as domestic helpers, nurses, marine officers and many others and this is evidenced with the upliftment of lives of their families and their beautiful houses found in the different parts of the province today.

Aklan, according to Vivian Ruiz R. Solano, PESO- Manager has 561 documented OFWs, traced through a survey done by the office.

Solano said there is a big number of Aklan OFWs but many failed to answer the survey.

Continuing efforts by PESO-Aklan are being done to obtain the real number of OFWs in the province, according to Solano.

Those from OWWA who came with Adm. Roque to Alan were Regional Director Raul Debris, Noel Chavez and Allen Arroyo, Family Welfare Officer. (VGVillanueva/PIA-Aklan)

Nabas corners regional awards

Nabas, a western municipality of Aklan leading to Caticlan, the jump-off point to the world-famous Boracay Island, has seemingly cornered several major regional awards given by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 6 and other award-giving agencies recently.

One much-coveted award the town has cornered is for the Best Performing Local Government Operations Officer V in the region for 2005, given to Emmie Macogue-Cawaling, the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Nabas. Cawaling bested all other LGOOs in the region vying for the award.

Cawaling’s collegues at DILG-Aklan said she was cited for initiating innovations in Nabas town that motivated barangay officials to submit much-needed reports on time and on regular basis.

As a regional awardee, DiLG-Aklan said Cawaling would compete for the same award in the national level.

Another regional award received by Nabas is for the Best Barangay Tanod Individual Category, given to Chief Tanod Ed T. Sabigon of Barangay Union, Nabas. The award was given by the Regional Search Committee composed of the DILG, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the PNPA Regional Offices.

On the other hand, for the town’s effective implementation of the Early Childhood Development Program (ECCD)), Nabas was also awarded as the Best Performing Local Government Unit for 2005. The award was given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH) and the Council for the Protection of Children in the region.

Outside Nabas, one other regional award received by the province is the Best Model Gabay Sa Mamamayan Aksyon Center (GMAC) 2005 Rural Category, received by Brgy. Odiong, Altavas, Aklan.

GMAC is a barangay-based and barangay focused facility, which serves as an information action center to ensure people’s immediated access to information on government services (PIA/DILG)

WEBMASTER ON VACATION...

Will update you as soon as we get back on track...thank you for viewing our blogs.